Three Amazing Things You’ll Only Find In South Africa
There are many amazing unique things and products that you can only find in South Africa. There are many of which I could think of but to name a few I decided of those I usually come across on a daily basis and I’m sort of connected to them in a way
- Rooibos
As a tea lover it was natural that I mention this amazing indigenous herb. The famous caffeine free herbal tea not only originates in Africa, but it only grows in its homeland, Cape Town, South Africa. Aspalathus linearis is an indigenous herb plant that actually is brewed into the famous known red tea after being harvested and dried up. Its popularity sure has spread world-wide over the last few years and has a high content of antioxidants. Rooibos is also often associated with many health benefits including the relief of stress, a skin doctor, enhance health hair, and may aid in protecting against harm leading to diabetes, heart diseases or even cancer. Health experts recommend an intake of six cups a day. Just add boiling water to your favorite brand sachet or leaves and enjoy!
2. The Vuvuzela
Growing up around a family that loves soccer and friends that always talk about it how can one leave out the loud vuvuzela. Because of the loud noise the make I could not forget them. The “Voo·voo·zei·luh” is a plastic horn, usually comes in different colors. It is about 65cm and the amount of noise it generates is out of this world as it was intended by the Zulu nation, in the Nguni dialect, to make a sound. Although it is associated with a lot of controversies regarding ownership rights and high sound pressure levels and of cause threat of being banned, it remains special to South Africans, especially those who are soccer/football fans. You definitely won’t miss it at the sporting events. It is one of the tools or ways we use to cheer for our players and stars. It is also a way of showing enjoyment and excitement for a soccer match. It truly has become a symbol of, especially SA football. After the 2010 FIFA world cup, they have gained massive attention and have thus become very popular. Vuvuzelas made a rebound at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, utilized chiefly by Iranian allies. Similar to in 2010, there was a reaction against their utilization. Due to Covid-19, there were no longer live games, and then no audiences, and as a result, vuvuzelas fell silent. But hey, we love them!
3. The Big Five
The reason I was reminded of these is because I love money. LOL who doesn’t, right? Since the year 1990, they were featured on the back of our rand banknotes: Rhino (R10), Elephant (R20), Lion (R50), Buffalo (R100), and Leopard (R200). This is a way of showing and representing their quality of being worthy of our attention and importance as well as to the tourism industry as well
Also known as the Big Five game, these creatures are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros (both south-focal dark and southern white species), elephant, and Cape buffalo. The name was originally pointed out since they are difficult to hunt. Although they can also be found in 13 other African countries, it is a fact that South Africa is the most dependable and steady country to spot all of them. Dangerous as they are they remain special and very important to South Africans as they are often the victims of illegal hunting and capturing and are often killed to a point where they are considered some sort of accomplishment for some hunters
The next time you are in South Africa, be sure to visit the Sabi Sands Game Reserve next to the famous Kruger National Park around Mpumalanga and visit the Big Five safari to see these special creatures
